Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol at golden hour.

Where to eat vegan food in Bristol

07 Feb 2022

Journalist

The eclectic and down-to-earth city in the UK's Southwest is a hot-bed of vegan dining spots, from Chinese and Sri Lankan, to burgers and mezze. Find out where to go

Bristol is an epicentre of vegan dining, not only in the UK, but in the world. Named 'Vegan Capital of the World' by Chef’s Pencil in 2020, the independent-minded harbour-side city in the UK's South West takes vegan dining just about as seriously as its music (Bristol is home to Massive Attack, Portishead, Idles and, fittingly, Bananarama, to name but a few).

The destination plant-based paradise has a dynamic dining scene, from trash vegan burgers and vegan pizzas, to refined and sophisticated contemporary vegan dining and everything in between. Here are some of the best vegan places to try when in Bristol.

Cheung's Vegan Kitchen

Crispy vegan duck pancakes, vegan satay chicken and Cheung's vegan curry are just a few of the dishes starring at this popular all-vegan Chinese takeaway restaurant offering a modern twist on traditional Chinese cuisine.

_{Photo: @CookYourLife/Melanie R Gonzalez}

Explore Cheung's Vegan Kitchen online

The Coconut Tree

The Coconut Tree has a couple of addresses in Bristol, and forms part of a nationwide chain. At this Bristol outpost, expect Sri Lankan street food and cocktails in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. While it's not stricly vegan, they do take vegan dining very seriously with a dedicated vegan 'Roots' menu with all dishes in a vegan key, from curries and mains to hoppers, condiments and sides.

Explore The Coconut Tree online

Koocha Mezze Bar

This casual local on Cheltenham Road does a colourful and creative all-vegan mezze, think spiced cauliflower, tabbouleh, sweet potato samosas, falafels, pistachio kofta and Persian potatoes, or go for their infamous vegan doner kebab made with seitan, harissa or falafel burgers.

_{Photo: @gems_journey_}

Explore Koocha Mezze Bar online

Oowee

This popular vegan outlet has two branches in the city, and is the go-to place when burger cravings take hold with an extra layer of cheese. Oowee describes it as “a more delicious burger than any of the ‘traditional meat’ comparatives, it just so happens to be vegan”. Go for Oowee’s Flamin’ Hot Smash burger – a double Beyond Meat smash patty, double American cheese, buttermilk fried jalapeños and Oowee hot mayo.⁠ ⁠

Explore Oowee online

Root

Josh Eggleton heads up this veggie-centric restaurant in Wapping Wharf overlooking the harbour. While it's not strictly vegan, vegan treats are the star act in most of the small plates on the sharing menu. Dishes like beetroot, fresh apple and roasted hazelnut and grilled kohlrabi, Tropea onion, orange and fermented chilli sauce offer the kind of thought and flavour that will be enough to excite most vegans, and non-vegans alike.

_{Photo by Louis Smith}

Explore Root online